View Full Version : Taking overnight from Fontana Dam, should I go North or South?
SurferNerd
12-06-2008, 01:13
Hey all, I'm leaving tomorrow after work in the AM to Fontana Dam, NC. Recommendations to travel North to Birch Spring(6.6mi) or South to Cable Gap Shelter(5.9mi)?? Is the shelter gone at Birch, it was there the last time I hiked but I've been told its gone, any snow reports? Either way, let me know!
Lone Wolf
12-06-2008, 01:15
go south
Tipi Walter
12-06-2008, 08:09
Definitely go south and avoid the rules and regs of the Park. No dogs, permit required, list every night's camp, have fun in clockwise direction only, etc . . .
There's snow on the high ground around 3500-4000 and up, so as you leave Hiway 28 on foot up to Walker Gap you might enter the white zone. The section from Walker to Cable is well worth doing as it passes thru a couple of nice gaps with water(Cody)and over a rocky ridge spine all narrow and rugged. The 800 foot drop down t0 the shelter is easy and there's water(we hope--should be)at Cable Gap. What's that other gap near Cody? Hogback?? One of them has water down to the right about 400 feet.
If you got the time you should hump on to Cheoah Bald as there's sure to be snow atop that 5000 foot hill. The climb out of Fontana though is rocky and steep and might use up all your daylight. BTW, there's a great campsite right before Walker Gap next to a creek.
Agree with LW & TW. The section South of Fontana is very nice and you do not need to worry about "Closed" campsites and shelters.
I hiked Fontana to NOC last Friday and Saturday. There was water at Cable Gap shelter; was told there was water at the spring just prior to Brown Fork shelter but did not check it out; there was no water at the spring at Brown Fork shelter. I camped just past Stecoah Gap and picked up my water at the spring on a logging road about 600ft from the road crossing at Stecoah Gap. Seemed to be a lot of trash on the trail- tarps and tent above Fontana, clothing at various locations along the trail, clothing and food left at Cable Gap and Brown Fork, religous tracts scattered by some idiot on top of Cheoah Bald.
North. You get a nice climb and if the clouds are high then a great view off Shuckstack
Plodderman
12-06-2008, 14:38
If you go North you have a nice uphill climb and need to make reservations for shelters in the Smokies. I would go South.
Tennessee Viking
12-06-2008, 18:21
Sobo. You can get off the trail easier if there is any oncoming winter storms. Smokies might have some ice already on trail
SurferNerd
12-07-2008, 17:38
Thanks guys, I went south. I stayed in Fontana Hilton on Saturday night, and this morning went to Cable and back to Fontana. It was cold, there was barely little pools of snow and ice. My Camelbak froze over. But it was much worth it.
SurferNerd
12-07-2008, 17:40
I hiked Fontana to NOC last Friday and Saturday. There was water at Cable Gap shelter; was told there was water at the spring just prior to Brown Fork shelter but did not check it out; there was no water at the spring at Brown Fork shelter. I camped just past Stecoah Gap and picked up my water at the spring on a logging road about 600ft from the road crossing at Stecoah Gap. Seemed to be a lot of trash on the trail- tarps and tent above Fontana, clothing at various locations along the trail, clothing and food left at Cable Gap and Brown Fork, religous tracts scattered by some idiot on top of Cheoah Bald.
Ya I noticed the tarps and tents on the first summit south of Hwy28, I was like ***, bears?? I didn't see much else for trash, but any ideas whats up with those tents?
Can you guys tell me if a permit is required to stay at Fontana Shelter?
sliderule
12-20-2008, 23:13
Can you guys tell me if a permit is required to stay at Fontana Shelter?
No.
No but is suppose to be used for hikers only. I don't think they want overnight car campers.
SurferNerd
12-23-2008, 13:36
No but is suppose to be used for hikers only. I don't think they want overnight car campers.
I would agree with that when its season, but right now with the freezing weather there, the TVA cops were laughing at us. They could care less that I was a car camper, and day hiker.
Bare Bear
12-26-2008, 12:36
Next time try Clingmans south to the shelter.